A soft and buttery Filipino brioche topped with creamy butter and grated cheese, perfect for breakfast or as a snack. This classic treat is known for its pillowy texture, rich flavor, and indulgent cheesy topping, making it a favorite among Filipinos and pastry lovers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture – The enriched dough creates a light, airy bread that melts in your mouth.
- Rich and buttery flavor – The combination of butter, sugar, and cheese makes it an irresistible treat.
- Perfect for any time of day – Enjoy it as a breakfast, snack, or even a dessert.
- Homemade goodness – Freshly baked ensaymada is far better than store-bought versions.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the topping:
- ½ cup softened butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup grated cheese (e.g., Edam or cheddar)
Directions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, shortening, and salt. Stir until the shortening melts. Let it cool to lukewarm.
- Dissolve the active dry yeast in ¼ cup warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add half of the flour to the milk mixture, then add the bloomed yeast. Mix for 3-5 minutes until it reaches a paste-like consistency.
- Add the eggs and the remaining flour. Mix for another 3 minutes. The dough will be sticky.
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the dough: Transfer the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a log and divide it into 16 equal pieces.
- Flatten each piece into a rectangle, brush with softened butter, roll it into a log from the long side, and shape it into a coil (spiral). Tuck the end underneath.
- Place each coiled dough into greased molds or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour until almost doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the ensaymadas for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Add toppings: While still warm, brush the tops with softened butter, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and generously top with grated cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including rising time)
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Servings: 16 ensaymadas
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
Variations
- Ube Ensaymada – Add ube extract or ube halaya to the dough for a vibrant purple twist.
- Chocolate Ensaymada – Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate before rolling the dough.
- Salted Egg Ensaymada – Top with slices of salted egg for a traditional Filipino flavor.
- Nutty Ensaymada – Sprinkle chopped nuts over the cheese for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep ensaymadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze baked ensaymadas (without toppings) for up to 1 month. Thaw and add toppings before serving.
FAQs
How do I make my ensaymada extra soft?
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture and ensure proper kneading.
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, but shortening gives a lighter texture while butter adds more flavor.
Do I need ensaymada molds?
No, you can use muffin tins or place them directly on a baking sheet.
Why is my dough too sticky to handle?
A sticky dough is normal for enriched bread. Lightly flour your hands and work surface to manage it.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, but adjust the rising time as instant yeast works faster.
What’s the best cheese for ensaymada?
Edam (queso de bola) or sharp cheddar works best for a savory contrast.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough overnight and bake the next day.
How do I prevent my ensaymada from drying out?
Store in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Yes, vanilla extract or citrus zest can enhance the flavor.
What can I serve with ensaymada?
Enjoy it with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for a perfect pairing.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ensaymada is a delightful Filipino pastry that combines the soft, buttery goodness of brioche with a sweet and savory cheese topping. Whether for breakfast, merienda, or dessert, this homemade version will satisfy your cravings. Try making a batch today and enjoy a taste of Filipino tradition!
Print
Cheesy Ensaymada
- Total Time: 3 hrs 55 min
- Yield: 16 ensaymadas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery Filipino brioche topped with butter and grated cheese. A pillowy, rich, and indulgent treat perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the topping:
- ½ cup softened butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup grated cheese (Edam or cheddar)
Instructions
- Make the dough: Mix warm milk, sugar, shortening, and salt until shortening melts. Let cool to lukewarm.
- Dissolve yeast in ¼ cup warm water; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add half of the flour to the milk mixture, then add bloomed yeast. Mix for 3-5 minutes.
- Add eggs and remaining flour; mix for 3 more minutes. Dough will be sticky.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape: Transfer dough to a floured surface. Roll into a log and divide into 16 pieces.
- Flatten each piece, brush with butter, roll into a log, and coil into a spiral. Tuck the end underneath.
- Place in greased molds or on parchment-lined trays. Let rise for 30-60 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Top: While warm, brush with butter, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and top with grated cheese.
Notes
- Use butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor.
- For a sweeter version, add more powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 3 hrs 30 min (including rise time)
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Bread & Pastries
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
